delphīnus
masculine
The Latin word for dolphin is delphīnus.
The word refers to an aquatic mammal.
Meaning: aquatic mammal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
delphīnus is a second declension masculine noun. Use delphīnum for the accusative singular form when the dolphin is the direct object of a sentence, and use delphīnī for the genitive singular form to indicate possession or 'of the dolphin'.
Did you know?
- The word delphīnus is a distant relative of the English word 'dolphin' via the French 'dauphin'. In French, the word shifted from the animal to a title for the heir to the throne.
- In some ancient contexts, the word could be used metaphorically to describe a person who is a helpful or charming companion.
- In Roman literature, the dolphin was often viewed as a symbol of divine protection and a guide for souls across the sea.
Examples in context
- Hodie vidi delphinum in mari!Today, I saw a dolphin in the sea!
- Delphīnus in mari natat.A dolphin swims in the sea.
Example conversation
Quintus and Aurelia are looking at the ocean from a pier.
- QuintusAspice, Aurelia! Delphīnus ecce!Look, Aurelia! A dolphin is here!
- AureliaUbi est? Non videō.Where is it? I don't see it.
- QuintusDelphīnus ex aquā salit.The dolphin is jumping out of the water.
- AureliaŌ, vere est pulcher!Oh, it truly is beautiful!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dolphin” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
